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Fragrance: Penhaligon’s Paithani EDP

I have one of the latest fragrance launches from Penhaligon’s to share with you today – if you’re familiar with the brand, you may already be aware of their Trade Routes collection, to which Penhaligon’s have just added two captivating new scents: Paithani and Agarbathi…

Housed in a classic Penhaligon’s fragrance bottle, with a bow adorning the lid, Paithani is a fragrance designed to capture the essence of India – with its opulent palaces, spiced hot tea and rich flora and fauna, it aims to transport the wearer on an unforgettable journey.

Paithani has been named after a variety of sari, the beautifully patterned coloured cloth traditionally worn by Indian women, and the fragrance itself is wonderfully evocative, reflecting memories of a visit to india –

Our mountain train’s arrival into Bombay was greeted by an explosion of sound that dazzled our reverie and shook us awake. Vivid colourful saris, Paithani, swirl all around, and to complete the sensory overload, before long there is the welcoming smell of spicy hot tea! Added to it, as tradition dictates, an agreeable explosion of spice (cardamom, nutmeg and pepper – the fragrant holy trinity). The soothing aspect of a silky, milky rose, serves as a rousing caress. Soon there is the famed cedar from Himachal Pradesh that blends with the smell of leather trunks. Because travel has always been the greatest feat of independence. And to best capture the feeling of our faithful companion, the sun – bountiful, low and full – rich amber infuses and illuminates the end of the day.

When first spraying the scent, it immediately makes me think of chai tea – it opens up with spicy top notes of Cardamom, NutmegEssence and Black Pepper sweetly softened by a mild heart of Rose and Milk Accord, leading to a warm earthy base of Cedar Essence, Labdanum Resin, Leather, and Amber Wood. The scent is alluring, spicy and rich – contrasting with its partner Agarbathi which has more of a floral aroma inspired by Indian incense.

I have to say I’ve completely fallen in love with Paithani – it’s heavy and opulent, alluring and spicy – just perfect for a summers evening.

About the Blog

Thou Shalt Not Covet… is a blog dedicated to my obsession with beautiful things, from fashion and make up, to lifestyle and travel. I will also be including product reviews, and anything else I want to share with the world!